Our museum has recently acquired what is thought to be the largest and most complete set of historic Charleston Slave Badges. This collection includes 146 rare badges dating as far back as 1804. It also features badges with makers’ marks. Two with personalized inscriptions that tell the historical significance of Charleston Slave Badges. The Slave Badge system was initially legally instituted in Charleston in 1783 as a form of control and a source of profit. The badge system required that enslav